Zip Code 53221

Milwaukee, WIMilwaukee County

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$225,000 (2025 estimate, slightly above city average)
Median Home Value
~39,000 (2025 estimate for 53221)
Population
$61,000 (2025 estimate; above city median)
Median Income
Average (C+ to B- range)
School District Rating

Market Statistics

Property Values

$225,000 (2025 estimate, slightly above city average)
Median Home Value
$1,050/month (2025 estimate, above city median)
Median Rent
$170 (2025 estimate)
Price per Sq Ft

Market Performance

Home Appreciation1.4% YoY increase projected for 2025-2026[3]
Market VelocityModerate; homes average 25-35 days on market
Foreclosure RateLow, below national average

Area Information

Area Size~8.5 sq mi
CountyMilwaukee
Primary CityMilwaukee

Housing Profile

Housing Statistics

Total Housing Units~13,000 (estimate for 53221)
Owner Occupied62% (above city average)
Rental Properties38%
Vacant Units5.5% (city average, 2025)[3]
New ConstructionLimited; most stock built 1960-1990, some infill and townhome projects

Housing Types

Single-family homesTownhomesSmall multifamily (2-4 units)Apartments

Demographics

~39,000 (2025 estimate for 53221)
Population
34.2 years (slightly above city median)[5]
Median Age
$61,000 (2025 estimate; above city median)
Median Income
96% (unemployment ~4%)
Employment Rate
High school grad or higher: 88%; Bachelor’s or higher: 28%
Education Levels
Mix of families, couples, and singles; higher proportion of multi-generational households
Family Composition

Education Quality

School District Performance

Average (C+ to B- range)
District Rating
School DistrictMilwaukee Public Schools (MPS)
Test ScoresSlightly below state average, but improving
Graduation Rates~81% (2025 estimate)

Schools in Area

  • Hamilton High School
  • Morgandale Elementary
  • Zablocki Elementary
  • St. Charles Borromeo (private)

Economic Factors

Employment & Business

Job GrowthSteady, 1.2% annual increase
Unemployment Rate4% (2025)
Business EnvironmentStable, with small business growth and retail expansion
Commercial ActivityActive along S 27th St and W Layton Ave corridors

Major Employers

  • Froedtert Health
  • Milwaukee Public Schools
  • General Mills (local plant)
  • Retail and logistics centers

Infrastructure & Quality of Life

Infrastructure

Transportation Access

  • I-94/I-43 freeway access
  • MCTS bus routes 19, 80, 51
  • Proximity to General Mitchell International Airport

Utilities & Services

  • We Energies (electric/gas)
  • Milwaukee Water Works
  • Spectrum/AT&T (internet)

Quality of Life

Safety & Environment

Lower than city average; property crime moderate, violent crime low[2]

Good; air and water quality above city average

Healthcare Access

  • Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore
  • Froedtert South Milwaukee
  • Multiple urgent care clinics

Development Trends

Planned Developments

  • Small-scale infill housing
  • Retail redevelopment on S 27th St

Infrastructure Projects

  • Road resurfacing (2025-2026)
  • Sidewalk and bike lane improvements

Investment Outlook

Growth Outlook

Stable, with moderate population and value growth

Investment Opportunities

  • Value-add single-family rentals
  • Small multifamily acquisitions
  • Retail/office redevelopment

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Young families
  • First-time buyers
  • Move-up buyers
  • Investors seeking stable cash flow

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower crime than city average
  • Higher owner-occupancy
  • Good schools for the price

Pricing Strategies

Position slightly above city median, but below premium neighborhoods

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older housing stock

Response Strategy:

Emphasize recent updates, solid construction, and value pricing

Objection: Perceived lack of nightlife or entertainment

Response Strategy:

Highlight quick access to downtown and local parks/festivals

Objection: School quality concerns

Response Strategy:

Point to improving test scores, graduation rates, and nearby private options

Professional Recommendations

1

Highlight safety and owner-occupancy rates in marketing

2

Leverage local school and park amenities in listings

3

Target first-time buyers and investors with value messaging

4

Stay informed on zoning and infrastructure updates

5

Network with local employers for relocation leads

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Jackson Park (53215)
  • Bay View (53207)
  • Greenfield (53220)

Market Positioning

Affordable, safe, family-friendly with stable returns

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower crime and higher owner-occupancy than 53215
  • More affordable than Bay View (53207)
  • Comparable amenities to Greenfield (53220)

Price Comparison

53221 median home price is 10-15% below Bay View, 5-10% above Jackson Park

Investment Metrics

6.2% (2025 estimate, for small multifamily)
Cap Rates
5.5% gross yield
Rental Yields
~18.0
Price-to-Rent
Strong for well-managed rentals; positive monthly cash flow typical
Cash Flow
1.4% annual (2025-2026)[3]
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Attracted by affordability, FHA/VA loan options, and community amenities

Move-Up Buyers

Seek larger homes, updated features, and proximity to parks/schools

Downsizers

Value ranch homes, low-maintenance properties, and quiet streets

Investors

Pursue stable cash flow, low vacancy, and landlord-friendly laws[3]

Relocators

Appreciate access to airport, highways, and diverse housing options

This zip code analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities